Portal 2

Concept:Return to the Enrichment Center for more testing. And science. And hopefully less murder

Graphics:Retains the style of the original while breaking free of the sterile environments to explore new territory. The scale of the levels is at times jaw dropping

Sound:Any one of the three major voice performances could have headlined a game and warrant consideration for end-of-the-year awards. The audio cues tied into nearly every action in the game enhance the sense of space and the physicality of the world

Playability:The cheats the game uses to help you line up portals properly are appreciated, especially on a controller

Entertainment:This is the quintessential “bigger and better” sequel that focuses and expands on the original’s strengths while raising the quality bar higher, but without breaking much new ground. But you may be in the wrong hobby if you’re complaining about more Portal

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Portal 2

Summary:

How do you follow up on a four-hour pack-in title that blew up into a phenomenon that defined a year-plus of gaming culture? Valve decided to flesh out the concepts pioneered in Portal, coloring in some existing wireframes, adding details to older sketches, and doodling new expansions to previous ideas in the margins. Without turning the page, the team has painted a much richer picture that seizes your attention in a steel grip even if it’s telling a similar story. Like the original, so much of what makes Portal 2 special is in the execution and the originality of standing in Chell’s